New Exhibit Celebrates the Beauty of Bhutan, Partnership with UTEP

Last Updated on August 13, 2014 at 2:41 pm

As the headquarters for the UTEP Centennial Celebration, the Centennial Museum and Welcome Center will present the newest exhibit in the Centennial Exhibit Series, “Bhutan: Jewel of the Himalayas / Photography by Mark Paulda,” with a public opening at 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 16.

The exhibit features a collection of photographs by Paulda, taken during trips in 2013 and 2014 to the Kingdom of Bhutan, a tiny country nestled in the Himalayan Mountains. “Jewel of the Himalayas” showcases Bhutan’s stunning landscapes, unique architecture and the beauty of its people.

The University of Texas at El Paso has had a special connection with the Kingdom of Bhutan for almost 100 years. The inspiration for the University’s unique Bhutanese architecture is credited to Kathleen Worrell, wife of the school’s first dean, who was fascinated with a photo essay on Bhutan that appeared in the April 1914 issue of The National Geographic Magazine. Since the first Bhutanese buildings were constructed in 1917, the University’s connection with Bhutan and its people has evolved into something much more than a shared architecture. From student exchanges to presentations by Bhutanese artists, musicians, dancers and archers on UTEP’s campus, the University’s special relationship with Bhutan has become a mutually beneficial partnership in education, culture and friendship.

About Mark Paulda

Mark Paulda is a fine art photographer, world traveler and best-selling author. His first book, Celebrating El Paso, with TCU Press, visually chronicles El Paso and continues to be a fast-selling book for the publisher. His newest book, El Paso 120: Edge of the Southwest is scheduled for release this fall.

Make Plans

What: “Bhutan: Jewel of the Himalayas / Photography by Mark Paulda,” is the newest exhibit in the Centennial Exhibit Series.

When: Public opening at 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 16. The exhibit will be on display through Oct. 25.

Where: Centennial Museum and Welcome Center, corner of Wiggins Road and University Avenue on the UTEP campus.

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